The Pittsburgh Pirates are taking a cautious approach with their top pitching prospect, Paul Skenes, despite his dominant performance at Triple-A Indianapolis. Skenes, the first overall pick in the 2023 draft, has been showcasing his electric fastball and impressive repertoire, posting a 0.53 ERA through five starts.
General manager Ben Cherington emphasized the importance of developing Skenes into a successful major league pitcher rather than rushing his promotion. The 21-year-old has been working on refining his pitches, including a unique “splinker,” a combination of a splitter and a sinker.
While Skenes has been racking up strikeouts, the Pirates are focused on his efficiency and overall growth as a pitcher. Cherington highlighted the need for Skenes to pitch to his strengths and not try to conform to a specific mold.
The Pirates’ deliberate approach extends to other young pitchers like Jared Jones, who has also been impressive in his rookie season. The team is prioritizing the long-term success of their prospects, balancing the desire to win games with the need to protect their arms.
As the Pirates navigate the early season schedule, they are strategically managing their rotation to give pitchers like Quinn Priester extra rest between starts. Manager Derek Shelton emphasized the importance of building in rest days to ensure the health and effectiveness of their young arms.
Overall, the Pirates are taking a patient and calculated approach with their talented pitching prospects, prioritizing their development and long-term success over immediate results. Fans can expect to see these young arms make an impact in Pittsburgh when the time is right.